Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Organic and Biodynamic * Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Château Palmer is often touted as the only wine to rival Château Margaux within the commune of Margaux. Despite being classified as a Third Growth it is a wine which, according to wine critic Jancis Robinson ‘acutely expresses its origins.’ Originally its vineyards were part of the d'Issan estate, but became known as Château de Gasq when they were purchased by the family of the same name.
The estate acquired its modern name in 1814, when it was bought by English general, Charles Palmer, on his way back from the Peninsular War where he had fought with Wellington against Napoleon. Palmer eventually died bankrupt, having spent his wealth on his vines! Today, it is two Bordeaux families - Sichel and Mähler-Besse - that have owned Chateau Palmer since 1938.
Since 2004, winemaker Thomas Duroux has been leading the estate, implementing biodynamic farming methods. The vineyards are renowned for their high percentage of Merlot plantings (47%); contrary to the popular theory that one plants one’s best gravel croupes with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is this high percentage of Merlot that gives the wine such a seductive texture and exotic character.
Official drinking window from Chateau Palmer: 2030 - 2070
"I am breathless with the dark-berry, lavender and burnt-orange aromas. Some salt. Just so formidable and deep. Stunningly sexy on the palate with a density and power, yet it leaves things so clean and bright. You want to drink it and enjoy it now, but it has the structure to last forever. Drink in 2022." 100 points James Suckling (Feb 2018)
"Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2015 Palmer explodes with flamboyant notes of kirsch, blackcurrant pastilles, and blueberry compote with exotic wafts of Chinese five spice, rose oil, sandalwood, and wood smoke. Full-bodied, the palate is a veritable firework display of opulence, delivering plush, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and decadence. The blend is 44% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot." 98 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (Nov 2022)
"One of the gems in Margaux is unquestionably the 2015 Palmer. Possessing more elegance and purity, as well as concentration, than the Alter Ego, it offers up a gorgeous bouquet of crème de cassis, caramelized cherries, charcoal, and graphite, with just a hint of spring flowers in the background. A final blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 70% new oak, this full-bodied, ripe, incredibly polished 2015 is already hard to resist given its elegance and purity, yet should be at its best from 2023-2043. If you have more than one bottle, it's sensational today as well. 2023 - 2043." 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Nov 2017)